Womens Seasonal Devotions

Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 5

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons… Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Matthew 27:55-56,61

Finding Remarkable in the Ordinary

We aren’t told how the news first reached the women. Maybe it was a brief, hurried conversation in the dead of night: “The Jewish leaders seized Jesus while he was with his disciples in Gethsemane.” It might have been a few words whispered in the wee hours of the morning: “The chief priests and the elders sent Jesus before Pilate in hopes of having him executed.” Or perhaps it was a hastily delivered update: “He’s been sentenced to crucifixion, and he’s on his way to Golgotha right now.”

Regardless of how the women found out, they came. They huddled at the foot of the hill as their teacher, mentor, and friend hung suspended from the cross. They heard his last words: forgiveness for the soldiers, hope for the criminal next to him, love for his mother. They experienced the darkness and the earthquake. They witnessed Jesus’ death.

Of course, the women didn’t go home immediately. How could they? Preparations for the Sabbath were waiting, and the day of rest was quickly approaching. But they had cared for Jesus’ needs during his life, and they weren’t about to stop now with his death. They followed as Nicodemus and Joseph took the body away from the cross. They watched as the linen-wrapped corpse was laid in Joseph’s own tomb. And they waited until the stone was rolled across the entrance to the tomb before going home—to rest on the Sabbath, yes, but first to prepare spices and perfumes for a trip back to the tomb early on Sunday morning.

In one sense, the women’s actions were remarkable. They faithfully followed Jesus to the cross even when all his disciples (except John) abandoned him and showed their devotion in the midst of horrific circumstances. But in another sense, the women behaved exactly as expected. They had likely prepared spices and perfumes before for other deceased family members and friends. They were simply carrying out their common, ordinary, everyday vocations in faithful service to their Lord.

How did the news first reach you? Was it a brief, hurried phone call late at night sharing the details of a termination at work? A few words texted in the wee hours of the morning lamenting the breaking of curfew again by a wayward teenager? A hastily delivered update from a family member or friend on their way to the doctor or hospital? And, regardless of how you found out, did you come? Did you bring help and prayers and words of Christian counsel? Did you simply carry out your common, ordinary, everyday vocation in faithful service to your neighbor?

Our lives today are very different from those of the women in Jesus’ day. And yet, we share a common calling with those women. As God’s holy and dearly loved people, we are called to serve those he places in our lives, whether that’s our dearest friend or someone we’ve just met. And best of all? When we faithfully carry out our vocations, when we show love and kindness to even the least of those around us, we are showing that same love and kindness to our Savior. How remarkable!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being. Lead us to see those you have placed in our lives, those who need our care and kindness. Bless our actions as we seek to faithfully carry out our vocations, and remind us that all this is done in service to you. Amen.

Written by Kristi Meyer

Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 4

2026/03/17/in Devotions, Womens Lenten Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:54

Surely

Roman centurions were not easily frightened. Yet the events surrounding the crucifixion and death of Jesus terrified the centurions who were guarding him.

At first, the scene may have felt familiar. “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there” (Matthew 27:35-36). They may have laughed as they heard the insults hurled at Jesus as he suffered on the cross. “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:40). Even the other criminals mocked him.

Then Matthew notes something that likely got their attention: “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land” (Matthew 27:45). But it was the moment Jesus died that must have caused them to be terrified. “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life” (Matthew 27:51-52).

If the guards remained at the cross near Jesus, they would have only heard about the temple curtain being torn or the dead people raised to life. But in the darkness, they felt the earth shake and the rocks split open as creation groaned at the death of Jesus. And they were terrified.

“Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).

Was their exclamation a statement of faith?

Whether any of the Roman guards came to faith during Jesus’ suffering and death isn’t the point of the passage. It is certainly possible that they confessed saving faith in Jesus. On the other hand, it may have been a response to the supernatural events they had seen—a conclusion drawn in fear or wonder, not necessarily faith.

Another day is coming when some people will look to the skies, be terrified, and say, “Surely this is the Son of God.” The LORD has appointed that day. Today, some laugh at the mockery and insults hurled at Christianity. Others ignore creation as it declares the glory of God and “proclaim[s] the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

In these days, as we await his return, God wants us to reach out to those who don’t believe. They may be sitting around or passing by. They may not be interested in spiritual things because of the darkness of their unbelief and sin. But they are on your path for a reason—and God is giving you an opportunity to build a relationship with them and talk with them about the forgiveness bought by the blood of Jesus. Tell people what Jesus has done for them and who he really is.

Surely, he is the Son of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God. Your suffering and death paid for my sin, and I praise you for the gift of salvation. Help me always remember your sacrifice and the depth of your love for me. Fill me with your compassion to love those around me who are lost and hurting, and open my eyes to see the times I can talk about you as my Savior and King. Remind me that the day will come that everyone will know you are the Son of God—that every knee will bow as you usher in our glorious new life with you. Thank you for that gift of eternal life. Amen.

Written by Naomi Schmidt

Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 3

2026/03/10/in Devotions, Womens Lenten Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Matthew 27:51b-53

When the Ground Gives Way

Have you ever gotten a phone call that made the world stop? A piece of news so unexpected or difficult that it felt like the solid ground beneath your feet had suddenly turned to sand? In those moments, our carefully constructed lives are shaken, and we feel an overwhelming sense of powerlessness and fear.

On the day Jesus died, the whole world was shaken—literally.

It’s easy to read these words as just another dramatic detail in the grand story of the day our Savior died. But Matthew recorded this for a reason. The earthquake wasn’t a random coincidence. It was a sign of God’s awesome power and his righteous judgment against the sin-sick world that nailed Jesus to the cross. The splitting rocks declared that the hardest, most final barriers of sin, death, and the grave itself were being shattered by Christ’s sacrifice.

But God didn’t just show his power through destruction. He showed it through new life. This earthquake released “the bodies of many holy people” from their tombs. Think about that for a moment. These long-dead believers were raised at the moment of Jesus’ death. They served as a living, breathing embodiment of the promise of resurrection to all who believe. This was a tangible sign that Jesus’ victory wasn’t just a spiritual concept but rather a reality that broke into our physical world, defeating the enemy of death. The earth shook once more when Jesus’ body was raised from his tomb on Easter morning, and, at that time, these risen people walked into Jerusalem, providing living proof of Jesus’ victory over death for all time.

So, what does a 2,000-year-old earthquake and a handful of resurrected saints have to do with you and me today as we juggle work deadlines, pack school lunches, care for our families, and simply go about our daily lives?

Everything.

When your personal world is shaken by that scary phone call, deep disappointment, or any other earth-shattering news, remember the cross. The earth shook when Jesus died and rose once again so that your faith wouldn’t have to. The ground gave way beneath Jesus so that he could become our unshakable rock, our firm foundation.

And when you feel like you’re living in a tomb of grief, anxiety, or exhaustion, remember the resurrected saints. They are God’s promise to you. They are a glimpse of the final victory. Christ’s death and resurrection are for us, now and always. We look ahead with faith to the day he raises us to life through him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for shaking the earth to show your ultimate victory over sin and the grave. When our own lives are shaken, anchor our faith to you, our unshakable rock and our firm foundation. Help us to live each day in the confident hope of the resurrection you have won for us. Amen.

Written by Alycia Cameron

Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 2

2026/03/03/in Devotions, Womens Lenten Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Matthew 27:51a

Perfectly Open

You could literally set your clock by them. No matter what else was going on in the temple, no matter the chaos of the courtyard or the bleating of the animals or the calls of the money changers, the daily sacrifices continued. Morning and evening, 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., day after day, year after year—the rhythm of these sacrifices remained unchanged.

Each time, the priest on duty offered a year-old lamb without defect for the sins of the people. Each time, blood was sprinkled on the altar of the Holy Place. And each time, the curtain hanging over the entrance to the Most Holy Place loomed large as a reminder that even the blood of unblemished beasts could not fully bridge the separation between sinful humans and a holy God.

Each time, that is, until the afternoon of Good Friday. Imagine the priest entering the Holy Place as he had many times before—and then seeing the temple curtain torn in two from top to bottom by an unknown force. This curtain, thick as a man’s hand, now gaped wide and exposed the interior of the Most Holy Place. Although the priest surely dared not enter the Most Holy Place, the room stood open. The barrier had been removed.

History doesn’t tell us what happened to the temple curtain after the events of Matthew 27. One tradition states that the priests tried to repair it but could not close the rip. Regardless of the specific details, the curtain must have borne its Good Friday scars until the destruction of the temple in AD 70. The morning and evening sacrifices continued, but the scenery surrounding these sacrifices had been indelibly changed—a change that the priests likely couldn’t help but notice each time they offered sacrifices on behalf of the people.

How ironic! Imperfect priests continued to offer imperfect daily sacrifices while standing mere feet away from this reminder of the completed work of our perfect High Priest. The writer to the Hebrews sums up this contrast beautifully: “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

We no longer rely on the shedding of lambs’ blood for the forgiveness of sins. Nor do we need an earthly priest to approach God on our behalf. Jesus took on the role of both lamb and priest when he sacrificed himself for the sins of the world. Through his perfect sacrifice, the barrier between sinful humans and a holy God has been removed. The door to heaven stands open.

Morning and evening sacrifices don’t govern our lives like they did in ancient Israel. But 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. were also the designated times for public prayer, and we, too, are called to pray. By faith and through prayer, the throne of God is ours to approach—a throne where we see our perfect High Priest seated at God’s right hand. What joy we find in daily living out this privilege of approaching God in prayer!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for offering yourself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. During this Lenten season, impress on our hearts and minds the price you paid in offering this sacrifice. When we are tempted to rely on our accomplishments, remind us that your sacrifice is all we need—and move us to share the good news of that perfect sacrifice with others. Amen.

Written by Kristi Meyer

Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 1

2026/02/24/in Devotions, Womens Lenten Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
Matthew 27:50

Willingly

After suffering on the cross for hours and enduring the punishment of God’s wrath to pay for sin, Jesus released his body to death. The hatred of the Jews and the cruelty of Rome did not take Jesus’ life; Scripture says Jesus “gave up” his spirit. Paul emphasizes Jesus’ willing attitude when he tells his readers that Jesus became “obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

When Jesus proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30), he was announcing that he had completed God’s plan of salvation. His spiritual work was done. Now, Jesus’ loud cry would capture the attention of those watching his crucifixion and mark the end of his physical life. With a wordless cry of anguish, Jesus completed his time on earth and yielded to death. He would soon be raised in glory to prove his power over sin and death.

As is true today, what we see with our eyes is not always the whole story. Those standing near the cross must have thought this was the end. Why did God allow Jesus to die? What would they do without their Savior and teacher? Where could they turn for comfort and hope?

Death raises difficult questions.

In moments like this, we struggle to think that God could be working beyond what is happening in front of us. Our thoughts can be so trapped in pain that reason and understanding are not within our grasp. We strain to remember that God’s greatest desire is that we join him in heaven—an eternal, perfect realm of bliss and glory that he longs to share with us. God wants us to remember there is more.

The Bible tells us the whole story of what really happened when Jesus cried out and gave up his spirit. It starts by telling us that Satan waged a war of rebellion against God and drew the crown of God’s creation into sin. Death, sin, and eternal destruction owned humanity and ruled over the hearts and wills of all people. But God promised to send a Savior to pay for sin—and the moment God gave the promise, it was as good as done. This payment covered the sins of all people because God’s own Son paid the price. With sin paid for, forgiveness is ours!

Satan still skirmishes to keep souls from trusting in God’s gift of salvation, but our Savior finished his work and then gave up his life. That’s the full, eternal perspective of what really happened.

The voice that gave up its last cry was soon resurrected. Jesus returned, and his willing spirit is within us, urging us to trust in his payment for sin; working through us to love others with his selfless, sacrificial love; and calling us to tell everyone we know about the peace of his forgiveness.

A loud cry.

A willing spirit.

An eternal victory.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Word of God made flesh, yet your life ended with a loud cry. Your birth and your death were marked by humility—devoid of any earthly fanfare. But you are worthy of all honor and glory. You changed the course of eternity and opened the gates of heaven to all believers. You willingly made the sacrifice to become a man, live in my stead, and die for my sin so I could receive your salvation. I praise you as my glorious and risen Redeemer. Strengthen me to willingly live for you, always trust in your payment for sin, and share your truth with others. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being my Savior. Amen.

Written by Naomi Schmidt

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 24

2025/12/24/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
Revelation 21:22-25

The Only Thing

The most unlike my “normal South Florida day” I’ve ever experienced was the summer solstice in Iceland. That far north on June 21, the longest day of the year, meant there were only thirty-one minutes of night. Barely dipping below the horizon, the sun’s presence made it so that nighttime never really got dark.

I would love to say that this experience made the words of Revelation easier to imagine or that I can better visualize heaven because I experienced a day without “night.”

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. That’s because today’s reading isn’t about the removal of darkness or nighttime. It’s about the presence of God and the impact of his presence on life itself.

Here on Earth, we are completely dependent on the light we receive from the sun. Without it, crops wouldn’t grow, food wouldn’t exist, and life as we know it would stop. The sun shows us where to walk, keeps us safe from predators, and even regulates our mood. No sun means no life.

That’s not the only thing we depend on for survival. Water, air, and shelter are basic human needs. In North America, we thrive because these are readily accessible to most. We also enjoy safety, social connection, and personal growth because of societal order made possible through the governments that establish law and order.

Even our spiritual survival is dependent on a regular rhythm of confession and absolution to free us from the fear, shame, and guilt caused by sin. Without the full and free forgiveness we receive in Word and sacrament, sin would consume us.

This is how life works for us here and now. But John’s revelation shows us that heaven will be radically different. In eternity, the only thing we will need for existence is Jesus himself.

Jesus, the visible display of God’s undeserved love for us, is the “glory of the Lord.” This grace given through the Lamb will light our way, guide our walk, and provide perfect peace and safety.

In heaven, grace will not be something we return to again and again as we struggle with sin—it will be the atmosphere we breathe. The presence of God Almighty and the Lamb will give us life in a way our sun never could. His love will keep us secure, removing the need for gates. We won’t need a temple because his dwelling will be with us.

It’s not simply that it will always be daytime. It will be that God himself, in Jesus, will be the light, the security, the joy, and the center of everything we need for our existence.

That day will truly be unlike any we’ve ever experienced before!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are the light that gives life, the forgiveness that sustains us, and the hope that guides our way. As we wait this Advent season, teach us to loosen our grip on the things we depend on here and cling instead to you, our true source of peace and safety. Prepare our hearts for the day when you will be our all in all and we will dwell forever in the glory of your presence. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 23

2025/12/23/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:6-7

Inviting Jesus Into Our Mess

Christmas is just around the corner. Do you have everything put together? Are you put together?

I remember sitting under a terribly bright dentist’s lamp, forced to look at my own mouth on a screen where everything was illuminated and enlarged—every spot, every flaw. I couldn’t hide. It was so uncomfortable.

Today’s passage talks about walking in God’s light, and honestly, the light of God’s holiness makes the bright dentist’s lamp seem dim. When God’s perfect light shines on my life, I want to say, “Oh no, Lord, look away! Turn that light off!” His light reveals everything: my arrogant judgments, my gossip, my attempts to look better than I am. He sees not just my actions and words, but my thoughts. He hears my hypocritical prayer: “Thank you for not making me like her…”

“Oh God, save me from my inner Pharisee! Be merciful to me, a sinner!”

But here’s the beautiful truth: God didn’t look away. He didn’t turn off the light or leave me in my sin. He did something infinitely better—he made me clean. “The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.” There is no condemnation! God sent his Son to take our place under the law’s demanding light. Jesus fulfilled what we couldn’t and bore our punishment.

We can live in God’s light without fear or shame. When God looks at us in Christ, he sees his beloved children. In his light, there is warmth and acceptance.

As children of God, we’re not alone. When we walk in the light, “we have fellowship with one another.” How do we walk in the light? John says it has to do with living out the truth. In church, we confess together the truth that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. We hear another truth: “I forgive you.”

Still, we often carry around burdens. We struggle with specific sins. We are sinners and saints at the same time.

In this tension of the Christian life, God has given us brothers and sisters to walk with us. He wants us to be safe places for each other where we can unload our burdens and receive forgiveness and relief.

The devil wants us to walk in darkness, in lies: either not admitting our sins or believing they are too terrible to be forgiven. But the blood of Jesus has purified us from all sins.

I have a hard time inviting people over unless my house is tidy. Sometimes I treat Jesus the same way: “Okay, Jesus, I’m ready now. I’ve cleaned myself up. You can come.”

But who am I kidding? Jesus won’t be fooled—he knows my messes.

What does it take to be prepared for Christmas? Realize you’ll never clean yourself up on your own. Invite Jesus into your mess and let him fix it. And maybe, invite a trusted friend into it too.

When we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for making your light a safe place to be. Give me the humility and courage to confess my sins. Help me be such a safe place for others. Amen.

Written by Rakel Drechsler

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 22

2025/12/22/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Philippians 2:14-16a

Shining Like Stars

The study of contrast is important in many areas:

Visual artists use contrast to highlight key items and guide attention to particular elements.
Fashion designers use contrast for dramatic effect in clothing.
Marketing experts use contrast to evoke emotion.

On the very first day of creation, it was God himself who created contrast when he created light. The first verses of God’s Word tell us that God separated light from darkness. We see a striking visualization of that contrast when we look into the night sky. Today’s reading tells us that the stars shine in the night sky. Scientists tell us that the stars are trillions of miles from Earth—and yet we can see them against the darkness. That’s quite a contrast!

Amazingly, Paul tells us that we Christians shine like the stars in the night sky as our God-pleasing lives stand out from the warped and crooked world. In a world that rewards aggression, God calls us to be humble. In a world that pays attention to sex appeal, God calls us to be modest. In a world that values a “take charge” attitude, God calls us to be servants. As we answer God’s call, we stand out from the world like stars in the night sky!

It’s noteworthy that Paul mentions two sins that would keep us from “shining like stars”: grumbling and arguing. Grumbling and arguing are ever so common in our world, and they are full of the darkness of sin. When we grumble, we are disagreeing with the situation God has put us in and coming close to saying, “I don’t agree with what you are doing, Lord.” When we argue, we are angrily insisting on our way or our ideas instead of lovingly listening to another person and gently explaining what we think. Grumbling and arguing quickly make us blend in with the darkness, spoiling the contrast God wants from us.

The end of our reading says that we hold firmly to the “word of life.” God’s Word gives us the life that we “blender inners” so desperately need. Our Savior has forgiven all the grumbling and arguing we have ever done, along with all our other sins. The Holy Spirit has made us children of God and has worked in our hearts and lives so that we shine like stars! We do well to hold firmly to the Word that gives us life.

Of course, that same Word gives life to others as well. We hold firmly to the life-giving Word so we can share it with others. And that’s the greatest example of the contrast Paul is talking about. We Christians are the only people on Earth who can share the life-giving message of God’s Word.

Shine like stars, sisters!

Prayer: Lord, you tell us in your Word that by constant use of Scripture we train ourselves to distinguish good from evil. Lead us to the light of your goodness so we shine like stars for the world to see. Amen.

Written by Angela Kom

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 21

2025/12/21/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8-10

Seeing the Light of Salvation

In Ephesians, Paul writes to encourage unity and strengthen faith. Today’s reading tells us that we are light in the Lord, whose fruit consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. We do what pleases God and take joy in him. Light is transformative. We all were once in darkness, but God has made us new.

And daily, we are transformed. We sin again and again, and each time we are forgiven. God calls us to live in light, and that means that we do not hide our wrongdoings or refuse to acknowledge them. Instead, we bring them to him in repentance and allow him to cover us in his robe of righteousness and bring us to himself. We confess to each other the ways we have hurt our neighbor, and we hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable. We do not let misdeeds continue in darkness. But when these misdeeds are brought to light, we offer forgiveness and mercy.

We have seen how, as light, we are God’s witnesses. Now we see that as light, we live in love and honesty with one another, for light is what pleases the Lord. Living in the light means being part of a community that holds itself accountable, that does not permit evil to be done in secret. This community calls each other out, and as Paul writes, has “nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather exposes them” (verse 11).

This accountability does not, however, mean turning its back on those who fail. What is repentance without forgiveness? Merely despair. We uplift one another and remind each other of who we are: forgiven in Christ, righteous before God. Then Paul says, “Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verses 18b-20).

Advent is a season of repentance and anticipation. We shine a light on our own misdeeds and earnestly ask for forgiveness. But at the same time, we see the light of salvation on the horizon: a star in the east, marking the Savior. We eagerly anticipate his coming, and until he comes again on the Last Day, we live as children of the light, for that is who we are in him.

Prayer: Lord, you have made us children of light. Thank you for your work in our hearts and in our lives, transforming us and making us new. Grant that we live in your love all our days. Amen.

Written by Alyssa Ebeling

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 20

2025/12/20/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

Reflecting Our Savior’s Light

I sat in a large room surrounded by more than forty missionaries, each with theology degrees and ministry experience that far surpassed mine. The leader posed a simple but piercing question: Which of these attributes do you least identify with from 1 Peter 2:9? Being chosen? Being priests? Being holy? Being God’s special possession?

My mind whirled. “Chosen?” That certainly fit. My parents ingrained that truth in me from childhood: “For [God] chose us in him before the creation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). “Holy?” Absolutely. On Christ the solid rock I stand, washed perfectly clean by faith in my Redeemer. “God’s special possession?” Some days it doesn’t feel like it, but the cross proves it beyond a doubt.

But a priest? That one stopped me. I hadn’t gone to seminary. God did not call me to lead a flock. It was my first year as a missionary, and I already felt unprepared to face the questions and situations that I knew would come.

My thoughts wandered to the tribe of Levi and to Aaron’s family line—generation after generation devoted to the priesthood. What did the women do in that tribe, I had always wondered? Then I remembered Revelation 5:9-10, the vision of heaven and the new song: “With your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God.”

And there it was—the reason for all the praise. The Lamb, looking as if slain and yet triumphant on the throne. Our Lord, who set human feet on earth with unwavering determination, who walked every perfect step to the cross for us, for me.

My priesthood has nothing to do with my degrees, my experience, or my gender. It has everything to do with the message I have been given. The most precious message: that the darkness of my sin, the pit of my failures, the grim battle I could never win was shattered by the moment my Lord cried, “It is finished.” In that cry, the darkness in my soul turned to blinding light. I stand in that light, my eyes dazzled, my heart finally knowing that peace that surpasses all understanding.

I am a priest. God proclaims it. I am called to declare the praises of him who brought me out of darkness into his marvelous light. My priestly service is not offering sacrifices but pointing over and over again to the unblemished Lamb who was sacrificed once for all. My service is standing in his undeserved love and inviting others to rejoice in the same. I belong to a family of believers who have lived this calling for generations.

Friend, Jesus has made you a part of his kingdom and a priest to serve God. Together we reflect his light in a world full of shadow, declaring his praises until we stand in the full brilliance of his presence forever. To him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer: Gracious Savior, thank you for making us your chosen people and calling us your own. Let your light guide our steps, and give us courage to proclaim your saving name. Use our voices and lives to reflect your glory until the day we stand in your eternal light. Amen.

Written by Elise Gross

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 19

2025/12/19/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6

Songs of Praise in the Dark

I’m an early riser; my favorite time of the day is the time surrounding the sunrise. I usually wake up about half an hour before dawn, feed my dog, and then sit down in the quiet with a steaming hot cup of coffee and my Bible. I want to spend time with Jesus before the rush of a new day sets in. And recently, in the quiet, still darkness, I noticed something.

The little songbirds roosting in the bushes near my window began singing about fifteen minutes before dawn. What a beautiful example of trusting faith! They begin singing while it is still completely dark. They seem to have complete faith that the sun is rising in 15 minutes or so, even though they haven’t seen it yet today.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we have not seen. And sure enough, after a few minutes of singing in the darkness, the sun rises up over the horizon—every single day.

Notice what this light in 2 Corinthians does: it gives us “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” In other words, when we see Jesus, we see God’s glory. His compassion, his mercy, his humility, and his victory over sin and death reveal what God is truly like. The world often searches for glory in power, success, or beauty. But God’s glory is most fully displayed in the suffering love of Christ on the cross and the radiant triumph of his resurrection. That is glory that shines for eternity; nothing can ever dim this light.

And this light doesn’t just surround us—it shines in our hearts. It is deeply personal. God’s Spirit makes Christ known to us in such a way that our inner beings are changed. The gospel is more than a set of truths we know with our minds. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, the living reality we experience in our souls. It is the light that awakens faith, strengthens us in trials, and fills us with joy that circumstances cannot steal.

Like those little songbirds who don’t flutter around in the bushes worried about the darkness and fretting about the challenges of the day, may we also begin singing songs of praise—even when it’s still dark—because we know what is coming! His light shines out of the darkness every day and will continue to shine until we are in his fully illuminated presence for eternity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given us nature to steward, but we can also learn from it. Help me to learn trust and faith from the example of these little songbirds. Help me to sing your praises even when it seems dark and I am going through challenging times. I may not understand how you are working this out for my good, but I know that you are. Thank you for shining your light out of the darkness and into my heart so I can see your glory on display in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Help me to continue to walk really close to Jesus and invite those around me to take a step or two closer into the light. In Jesus’ name I confidently pray. Amen.

Written by Rhoda Wolle

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 18

2025/12/18/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:19

Pay Attention

When was the last time you were in complete darkness? A power outage? A dark basement? Driving on a country road after a wrong turn? The wee hours of a sleepless night? These experiences help us understand why Peter urges us to “pay attention… as to a light shining in a dark place.”

Light gives direction. In the dark, you can’t see where you’re going or whether you’re on the right path. A light helps you reach your destination.
Light brings safety. Darkness hides dangers like tripping hazards or harmful people. Paying attention to the light helps you avoid what could harm you.
Light gives hope. Darkness can feel overwhelming, lonely, or endless. Even a small light reminds you that the darkness won’t last forever.
Light reveals truth. Darkness casts shadows, leaving our imagination to guess what’s there. Light exposes everything for what it truly is.

We pay attention to light in the dark not because the light is the end goal, but because it helps us navigate safely, truthfully, and hopefully until the full day arrives.

This is exactly what Peter wanted his readers to understand. As new Christians navigating life in a secular world, harmful messages were plunging them into darkness. They were “forgetting their new identity in Christ and failing to live like Christians. They were losing their confidence in the divine authority of Scripture. They were becoming too relaxed about the threat of false teachers. And they were too concerned with the here and now and not nearly mindful enough of the coming great Judgment” (The People’s Bible, James, Peter, John, Jude). They needed Peter’s clear directive to pay attention to the prophetic message of God’s Word in order to navigate safely, truthfully, and hopefully until Jesus returned.

Sound familiar? The darkness of our me-centered society, condescending political and social messaging, and a lax approach to discipleship threaten to darken our view. Without the light of God’s Word, we risk wandering into dark, dangerous, confusing, and hopeless places.

There is a final reason Peter tells us to pay attention to the prophetic message of Scripture: Light comes before dawn. The darkness of night is chased away by light in advance of the sunrise and the start of a new day. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus Christ is called the bright Morning Star. Paying attention to the light of God’s Word prepares us for the greater brightness of Christ’s full presence.

This Advent season, as you reflect on his Word, pay attention to the light it gives. It is preparing you for the coming of Jesus when there will be no darkness at all.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as we wait this Advent season, shine the light of your Word into the dark places of our hearts and guide us safely along your paths. Strengthen our faith to trust your promises, keeping our eyes fixed on you, the bright Morning Star. Prepare us to rejoice fully in your coming, when there will be no darkness and your glory will fill all creation. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 17

2025/12/17/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Receiving Abundantly, Giving Freely

Are you a giver? Perhaps you still have gifts to buy or make before Christmas. I have a list of names to help me remember everyone I want to give something to. What would make them happy? What do they need? How can I show them that I love them?

For me, Advent can be a time of emotional instability. There are expectations—my own and others’. I love being a giver, but it can become overwhelming. Buying, baking, planning, preparing. And don’t forget to enjoy the moment! Then come memories of childhood, of home, of things and loved ones who used to be. This season carries a peculiar sense of longing and sadness. Joy and peace, frustration and chaos, disappointment and regret—all mixed together. I’m sure you have your own personal mixture. One thing is certain: I’m not perfect. I’m pretty sure you aren’t either.

At times like this, it’s good to stop and look up and away from myself to my heavenly Father. Who is he? James calls him the Father of the heavenly lights—the one who brought them into being. “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6). He is the Creator.

He is also the Giver of every perfect gift. A wonderful world. Puppies and kittens. Children and grandchildren. Above all, he has given us his own Son. Jesus is the truly “good and perfect gift from above.” He came down from heaven to live among us, loved perfectly, and never once fell short.

My heavenly Father “does not change like shifting shadows.” He doesn’t have good and bad days. He doesn’t get moody or overwhelmed. He is constant and reliable.

My heavenly Father does not change. His attributes remain constant. He is love—and he loves me. I can’t do anything to make him stop loving me, no matter how I feel. He doesn’t change his mind about me. He loves me.

He also remains truthful and trustworthy. He keeps his promises. His mercy endures forever.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). We have many things here on earth, but we are also heirs of heaven!

I love being a giver, and I can give because I am loved by the greatest Giver. I have all I need. Jesus lived a perfect life in my place. His perfect acts of giving have been credited to my account. My sins and shortcomings are paid for.

This Christmas, when the pressure of giving feels overwhelming, remember you are already perfectly loved by the One who gave his own Son. You can give freely because you’ve received abundantly—not just presents under a tree, but the perfect gift of salvation wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for not only being the Father of the heavenly lights, but also my Father. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that in Jesus, you’ve already given me everything I need. Help me give to others from the abundance of your love. Amen.

Written by Rakel Drechsler

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 16

2025/12/16/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5

Running to the Light

Did you know that the color white is the result of removing all color? If you start with a blank piece of paper and add a little bit of color… and then a bit more… and then just a bit more—eventually, you’ll end up with a muddy mess. Trying to make a blank piece of paper lighter simply isn’t possible. Anything we do will result in more darkness on the page, not less.

And that’s a little bit like God. Today’s reading says, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” John used the light/darkness metaphor that was common to most religions at the time. His point was that God is light: absolutely pure and holy. There is no darkness—no falsehood or sin—in him. Again, this was a metaphor used by almost every religion of John’s time.

But what set Christianity apart from every other religion is this: the holy God did something to make us holy (Hebrews 2:11). We started our lives in the darkness of sin, and now God calls us out of this darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). God rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into Jesus’ kingdom. His death forgave us and brought us into the light of God’s kingdom!

There is an absolute distinction between this light and the darkness of the sinful world we live in. God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. As much as we strive to live in the light of God’s presence, we often find ourselves drawn back to the darkness that surrounds us—and any movement towards that darkness continues to dim the light.

Therefore, God has called us to stay away from any and every evil. Paul tells us that there must not even be a hint of evil among us (Ephesians 5:3). As we live our lives, we need to remember that any attempt to add our own light to the light of God’s glory only results in darkness. We want to stay away from any and every evil. Even a “little” gossip diminishes the light. An “innocent” lustful thought brings darkness into our hearts. A longstanding grudge inches us away from the light. In God, there is no darkness. He wants there to be no darkness in us either. The sharp distinction between light and dark applies to us.

Thankfully, even as we continually “dance with darkness” on this side of heaven, God’s light continually shines brightly. Jesus won forgiveness for us, and God has called us into his marvelous light. By God’s grace and through his work in our lives, we recommit ourselves to living in his light—and give thanks that he brings us out of darkness even when we struggle to do so on our own.

Prayer: Creator God, in you is life and light—all good things. Help us meditate on what is pure, true, excellent, and praiseworthy. Give us discernment and courage to crowd out anything that brings us closer to darkness. Keep us in the narrow way and bring us home to you. We pray in the name of our Savior. Amen.

Written by Angela Kom

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 15

2025/12/15/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

Bearing Witness to the Light

In today’s reading from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revisits laws from the Old Testament. He does not revoke these laws; in fact, he explicitly states, “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (verse 17). Jesus emphasizes the high standard that is God’s law, declaring to us that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (verse 20).

This seems like clear reason to despair. Of course we are not more righteous than the Pharisees! The Pharisees’ whole goal was to follow the Word of God to the letter, and even beyond, creating ever more stringent specifications to ensure that not even by accident or oversight would even the least of God’s laws be broken. To devote our entire lives to the study of and adherence to God’s law is not enough. That is what Jesus says here.

But what then can we do? That has already been answered! Remember, Jesus has not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Jesus is the fulfillment of all of the fullness of the law. He alone surpasses the Pharisees in righteousness, because he alone lived a perfect life. Now, his righteousness covers us. We are not judged by our own works, but by his.

And Jesus always went above and beyond. Here, he shows us what “beyond” truly means as he describes the Old Testament standard and then the “beyond” that we ought to go. In all of these “beyonds,” the difference is love. Not only shall you not murder, but also do not speak to your brother or sister in anger. Out of love, turn the other cheek. Settle disputes without going to a judge. “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (verse 42). Love not only your friends, but your enemies too. This chapter of Matthew ends with a succinct summary in verse 48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” that again reminds us that following these commands is not our salvation.

Of course we fall short of the perfection the law demands. But here, Jesus compels us to change our motivation. No longer do we obey in fear and self-righteousness, commending ourselves for our purity, but instead we look for how best to love our neighbor, as Jesus loves us. This, then, is the light that shines—it is God’s love through us. What a way to witness! Live in God’s love, and people will ask questions. They wonder at your joy, your willingness to serve, your humility.

Is it easy to live this way? No! But we ought to hold ourselves to a higher standard. Yes, we are sinner-saints. We will fail and stumble and fall. But in Christ we are renewed, and in baptism we daily drown our sinful Adam. You should live a brilliant life, one that shines so brightly it cannot be discounted.

This does not necessitate grand gestures or bold actions. A life of quiet love and simple faith grants opportunities to witness and to strengthen the faith of fellow Christians. Here in Matthew, Jesus describes a humble life, not a grandiose one—but a life in which each decision serves as an opportunity to love one’s neighbor. As God’s people, we live in light to give witness to the transformative gospel that gives us hope.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for letting us be your light in the world. You call us to share in your work despite our flaws. Grant that we do not hide our faith, but rather always give a reason for the hope that we have. Amen.

Written by Alyssa Ebeling

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 14

2025/12/14/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

Living in the Light of God’s Presence

“Lord, make me a woman of the Word—a real woman of the Word.” That prayer tumbled out of my mouth in 2016 as I sat in an empty room of a new rental house in Chile. I had been a Christian my whole life: baptized as a baby, raised on Scripture at home and school. On paper, I was certainly a woman of the Word.

But my conscience knew better. Much of my adult life had been consumed with proving myself rather than growing closer to my Savior. Long hours teaching in Christian schools and over-planning left little energy for the Word. Church became a chore. My “devotions” were more about socializing than about God.

A dramatic move—5,525 miles south to serve in a local church in Chile—didn’t change that. A year later, I still felt the same guilt.

The Holy Spirit kept pressing: Sit. Be still. Listen. Stop striving. Just be in the Word. It sounded simple yet felt impossible. I wanted measurable results. But that’s exactly why my Savior came: because no one can prove themselves worthy. He already lived the perfect life in service to God and neighbor. He went to the cross to prove his love. I didn’t need to do more; I needed to rest in what he had already done.

So, the prayer came: “Lord, make me a woman of the Word. I don’t know how. I don’t even want to, but I need you. Grant me your Spirit. Teach me to put your Word first.”

In John 8, Jesus was confronted by self-identified godly people who questioned his authority. They didn’t want to believe that his words were true and needed in their lives. Jesus’ response came sharp and cutting: “You have no idea. You don’t know me or my Father.”

Ouch. I feel that truth sting through the pages of my Bible. Pride blinds me, too.

But Jesus also spoke the clear gospel to this group of doubters: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

His words pierce our pride and striving. God’s Word is not just information; his gospel is actual power. It breathes life into dead hearts, grows faith in all kinds of soil, and bears fruit in the reader’s character. I didn’t need a 70-hour workweek or a move across continents to become a woman of the Word. I simply needed to humbly sit, open my Bible, and pray, “Lord, fill my cup with your living water.”

Over time, he did. Slowly, faithfully, God granted me self-control and even joy in his Word daily. And there, in the light of his presence, I finally began to see that being a woman of the Word has nothing to do with proving myself—and everything to do with Jesus, the Light of life.

Prayer: Lord, Light of the world, thank you for calling me out of my pride and striving and into the warmth of your Word. Teach me to love sitting at your feet and listening to your voice. Keep me walking in your light until the day I see you face to face. Amen.

Written by Elise Gross

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 13

2025/12/13/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:1-2

A Glimpse of Things to Come

It’s difficult for me to fathom what it must have been like to be one of the three disciples who were privileged to see Jesus transformed, to get a glimpse of their best friend’s true and full identity—the Son of God—before their very eyes! How could they ever doubt again?

We have been looking at how God is the very light of the world, both physically and spiritually. He has always existed, and he always will exist. This is difficult for us to fathom because in this life, we are bound by time. We live our lives in the present, with the past behind us. There’s no going back, even as much as we might wish to change a situation or see a loved one just once more.

But we are comforted by the fact that our loved ones who died in faith are alive in heaven—and that helps us understand how Peter, James, and John were able to be in the presence of Moses and Elijah, who had already passed away. These three disciples had a foretaste of the worship we all will experience in heaven one day: the past and the present all at once, the complete glory and splendor of the Triune God in full majesty. We will gather around the throne on that holy mountain and be caught up in a euphoria of praise and worship that we are unable to fully experience on this earth. On the pages of Scripture, we catch a glimpse. And, just as Peter wanted to pitch a tent and remain there forever, someday you and I will be able to remain there in the mansion God has prepared for us, where we will worship him in perfect light and unity.

Have you ever been surrounded by people you deeply love, feeling as if your heart was overflowing with joy and you never wanted the moment to end? That’s a glimpse of what the disciples experienced—and it points to the unending joy we will know for all eternity when we are in the presence of God’s perfect light. The disciples had a glimpse of that unending joy when Jesus revealed himself as true God. We also look forward to seeing our Savior’s full glory in heaven with all the saints from every time and place.

Let that vision be an encouragement to you on dark days when the light is difficult to see. Sit down, open the timeless pages of Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit remind you that he is here with you, walking with you. Take the outstretched hand of the believers around you who are walking this path toward home with you. Take comfort in knowing that in this very moment, Jesus is transfigured and shining, and we can catch a glimpse of him every time we open our Bibles. How can we ever doubt again?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our source of all light, I can’t wait until the moment when I get to see you face to face in your full glory! But that time has not come yet. Just like the disciples, I have to walk down from the mountain and continue to live in a world where my view of you is clouded. Give me patience and peace until it is my turn. And keep turning my heart toward you as I spend time with you in your Word and catch glimpses of your glory and splendor. Amen.

Written by Rhoda Wolle

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 12

2025/12/12/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32

Sharing is Caring

Have you ever noticed how hard it can be to share? We try to teach sharing to toddlers, but putting it into practice as adults can be equally challenging. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Consider how you feel when someone asks for a copy of the recipe everyone raves about. What about when you find someone in “your” parking spot? How do you feel when someone else gets credit for your idea? It’s hard to share because it can feel like we’re giving away something precious or that we consider uniquely ours. There’s always a part of us (our sinful nature) that wants to hold tight and keep joy for ourselves.

Simeon shows us something different. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple, Simeon took the child in his arms. (A quick aside: Mary actually showed sharing first. Any new mom knows what I’m talking about! But back to Simeon.) Can you imagine what this would have been like for him? In a special revelation from the Holy Spirit, Simeon knew he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah (Luke 2:26). And now, here was Jesus. The fulfillment of God’s promise to the children of Israel was cradled in Simeon’s arms. What a personal gift and public celebration for his people!

And yet, Simeon’s words revealed he understood God had a much bigger plan. Even while Simeon rejoiced in the personal gift of seeing Jesus, he immediately celebrated the fact that this gift was never just for him. From the beginning, God had announced that his salvation from sin would be for all people.

Simeon’s words also reflect his understanding of how God’s salvation would be given to all people. For Israel, Jesus is the glory of God’s people—not because they were better than anyone else, but because through them, God’s promise was fulfilled. For the Gentiles, Jesus is the light that reveals salvation to those who had been in the dark, not knowing God’s promises, not even realizing salvation was for them too. Through Christ, what was hidden is uncovered; what was unseen is brought into view.

Simeon’s joy was generous, wide open, and reflective of God’s own heart. He held salvation in his arms and knew: This is what I’ve waited for, but it isn’t just for me. This is for the whole world.

As women preparing for Advent and Christmas, Simeon teaches us something vital. We treasure the deeply personal joy of Christ—our Savior from sin, our peace with God, our light in the darkness. But like Simeon, we are invited to lift our eyes outward and remember that this joy is not ours alone. Christmas is not only a family celebration or a cozy tradition; it’s the good news of salvation for all nations.

Like Simeon, we celebrate that fact by sharing Jesus with those who don’t know him. Through invitations to join in our Christmas celebration, by saving a seat next to us at church, through words of encouragement or acts of kindness, we reflect the light of Christ. When we open our arms, our homes, and our lives to others, we echo Simeon’s song: This is for me—and it is also for you.

So as you prepare for Christmas, let your heart rest in the personal joy of Jesus, your Savior. And at the same time, rejoice in God’s great generosity. He sent this light not for some, but for all. Like Simeon, we can see salvation with our own eyes, and with the same joy, we can share it with the world.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as we prepare our hearts this Advent, help us to treasure the personal joy of your salvation while also remembering it is a gift meant for all. Give us courage to share your light with others through our words, our homes, and our lives. May our hearts echo Simeon’s song, rejoicing in your presence and reflecting your glory to the world. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 11

2025/12/11/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
John 1:4-5, 9-10

Finding Him in the Word

I sit with a sense of reverence and smallness. Can I add anything to such beautiful, poetic words? How can I even speak about them? I need to slow down and listen. I invite you to sit with me, like Mary at Jesus’ feet, with eyes and ears wide open.

John’s words are existential—words of light and darkness, life and death.

“In him was life.” In him—that’s a person. He is the Word, the one who was God and was with God. This is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, true God from eternity. He is the Word who creates and gives life. Jesus Christ is life and light. He, the true Light—the Creator himself—came into the world he had made. It’s nothing less than spectacular.

John’s words also speak of tragedy: “Though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” Why not? Did he look different than they expected? Did he hide himself? Did he not shine brightly enough?

In a sense, Jesus did hide—in weakness. A baby in a manger. A wounded man on a cross. This was the Messiah? John says, “In him was life,” but he died! It looked like darkness had overcome him.

Though prophets had foretold the man of sorrows, people expected something else from their Messiah. They hoped for physical deliverance, political victory, earthly prosperity.

Jesus entered this busy, blind world not just to sympathize with us or leave a shiny example to follow. John the Baptist cried out: “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). And Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

He came to take away our sins and give us life.

Do we recognize Christ today? Stores and Christmas markets bustle with activity. Though visual reminders are everywhere, many still miss him. Where do we find Christ? Not in this world, though it may look shiny.

We find him in his Word. It is the Word that gives us light so we can see. Jesus says: “Very truly I tell you whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

The Word created life in the beginning. It also created life in our hearts. By faith, we already have eternal life. When Jesus rose from the dead, he overcame the darkness of sin and death. On the Last Day, we too will rise. Then we will literally sit at his feet and listen to his voice.

The earthly life of a Christian doesn’t have to be dreary. We enjoy decorations and candlelight, food and drink. We simply know this life isn’t all there is. So, in the bustle of life we slow down, listen to him speak, and keep inviting those who still don’t know him. Because we know: his Word creates life even today.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the Light that shines in the darkness. In this busy season, help me slow down and recognize you—not in the world’s glitter, but in your Word. Amen.

Written by Rakel Drechsler

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 10

2025/12/10/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
Psalm 89:15

Walking in the Light of God’s Presence

In his book Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants, Dr. Paul Brand talks about his mother, Evelyn. Evelyn grew up in England and attended the London Conservatory of Art. She was so beautiful that people would line up to paint her picture. She fell in love and moved to India with her missionary husband. When her husband died, she stayed in India. Dr. Brand writes, “She poured her life into the hill people, nursing the sick, teaching farming, lecturing about guinea worms, rearing orphans, clearing jungle land, pulling teeth, establishing schools, digging wells, preaching the Gospel.” He continues, “I say it kindly and in love, but in old age Mother had little of physical beauty left in her. The rugged conditions, combined with the crippling falls and her battles with typhoid, dysentery, and malaria, had made her a thin, hunched-over old woman. Years of exposure to wind and sun had toughened her facial skin into leather and furrowed it with wrinkles as deep and extensive as any I have seen on a human face. Evelyn Harris of the fancy clothes and the classic profile was a dim memory of the past. Mother knew that as well as anyone—for the last twenty years of her life she refused to keep a mirror in her house.”

Yet, Dr. Brand also writes, “And yet with all the objectivity a son can muster, I can truly say that Evelyn Harris Brand was a beautiful woman, to the very end. One of my strongest visual memories of her is set in a village in the mountains, possibly the last time I saw her in her own environment. When she approached, the villagers had rushed out to take her crutches and carry her to a place of honor. In my memory, she is sitting on a low stone wall that circles the village, with people pressing in from all sides. … They were looking at a bony, wrinkled old face, but somehow her shrunken tissues had become transparent, and she was all lambent (glowing) spirit. To them, and to me, she was beautiful.” Why was this woman with a “bony, wrinkled old face” beautiful? Because she loved people.

The best commentary on our reading is another verse that we hear frequently: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26, emphasis added). The Hebrew word translated “presence” in our reading is the same word translated “face” in Numbers 6. In both cases, the idea is that God loves us and blesses us. God’s “face” is beautiful because he loves us so much! “Walking” in the light of God’s presence means to continually receive and appreciate God’s love and blessings. I think of God’s gracious face when I walk in the “golden hour,” the time just after sunrise and just before sunset, when the sunlight makes everything look radiant.

Continually receiving and appreciating God’s love and blessings—what a great way to live! And imagine what an impact that will have on our lives.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to all the blessings that you give me. Help me to recognize and appreciate them, thanking you for your amazing grace. Amen.

Written by Angela Kom

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 9

2025/12/09/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:105,130

Laws Leading to Freedom

What does light do for us? It guides our path and provides clarity. It illuminates. It makes clear what before lay in shadow. And here we are told God’s Word is a lamp that shines light on our path, granting understanding, giving purpose, and guiding our steps. What is this understanding that God’s Word makes clear?

From nature, we see that God is a God of power and beauty. From our conscience, we feel his displeasure with our wrong actions. But it is in God’s Word alone that we find Jesus. Here we see that our God is a just and merciful God. We find the gospel, the good news of salvation, the love our God has for us, here alone.

This section talks specifically about God’s Word in his law. And this too we cannot gain merely through our conscience. Our conscience can dull. It can be tense and overeager. Only God can tell us what he expects of us, and Psalm 119 contains 176 verses dwelling on the merit and insight God’s law provides. In verses 103-104, the psalmist writes, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”

The law enlightens us: it tells us we need a Savior, and it shows us the good we ought to do. Our salvation does not come from our adherence to the law, but living in line with God’s purpose is a natural response to the acknowledgement that our loving God created guidelines for a reason. Why honor our father and mother? Because God wills it, of course. Because it pleases him. Because out of love for him, we want to follow his purpose. Because it brings our parents joy, and we love them and want to honor them. And still yet, because this particular command comes with an explicit promise: that you shall have long life on the earth.

Good comes from good. God’s laws are for our benefit. A life lived according to them is truly enlightened if it also knows God’s love. The psalmist acknowledges our inability to fully walk in line with God’s law and our consequent need for salvation, saying “May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise” (verse 41). Law alone saves no one. But once the law makes clear our need for a Savior, the gospel enlightens us. It tells us we have a Savior, and it gives us life and love and joy.

God’s Word illuminates the truth. As the law, it is our curb, mirror, and guide. As the gospel, it shows us our salvation. The psalmist writes, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts” (verse 45). Here we see a seeming paradox—laws leading to freedom—that brings light to the way we live our lives as Christians. God’s Word is light; it has clarity for the simplest and most unread, and mysteries even the most learned cannot unravel. God’s Word, both law and gospel, enlightens us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the light of your Word. We could spend a lifetime studying its mysteries and find new insight each day. Grant that we turn to your Word for guidance and deliverance. Amen.

Written by Alyssa Ebeling

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 8

2025/12/08/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
Daniel 2:20-22

Safe and Secure in Our Darkest Moments

At first glance, Daniel’s praise in this text sounds like a psalm for festival worship. But the setting is anything but bright.

Judah had fallen under God’s judgment. Jerusalem was destroyed, the temple had been demolished, and many were dragged into exile in Babylon. Among them was young Daniel.

I have lived in many countries by choice, but I cannot imagine the realities of this experience: torn from home, nation, and place of worship and forced into training to serve a pagan king. Stripped of freedom. For the Old Testament believer, the additional loss of temple worship and sacrifices—those signs pointing to the promised Messiah—must have felt like the deepest despair, both physically and spiritually.

To make matters worse, the arrogant King Nebuchadnezzar had decided that his troubling dream was a matter of life or death. He demanded it be revealed and explained—or his wise men would be cut into pieces. “No one on earth can do what the king asks,” his advisors cried in despair (verse 10). Daniel was under the same death sentence.

And yet, the faith of Daniel shines. He didn’t panic or scheme but instead asked the king for more time and immediately urged his friends to join him in prayer, pleading for mercy from the God of heaven.

What do you do in moments of despair? How different Daniel’s response is from mine. In moments of fear, I take swift action—rushing to people or Google, unloading my emotions, seeking quick solutions. My body panics, bracing itself for battle, convinced it will fight alone. I grasp for light in all the wrong places. But in mercy, God still calls me back to my knees, back to trust in him.

Daniel’s story points us to something beyond earthly rescues. It points us to the undeserved love of our heavenly Father. God didn’t have to, but he stooped down and revealed the mystery of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to Daniel, a heavenly rescue. In greater mercy, he has revealed the mystery of salvation to us.

Daniel’s God is our God—the revealer of mysteries. He gave us his story of divine rescue in the Bible so that the power of the gospel would shine into our darkest moments. We do not need to beg for deliverance; in Christ, deliverance is already ours. At the cross, Jesus endured judgment and death in our place. In his resurrection, he shattered the power of sin, death, and the devil. By faith, his victory becomes ours. Saved. Safe.

We may feel like exiles in a foreign land now, but this present reality is not forever. Our true home awaits. So, with Daniel, we proclaim: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever… he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” And in Christ, that light dwells in us.

Prayer: Lord of light and life, thank you for revealing the mystery of your love in Christ Jesus. When we feel surrounded by darkness or far from home, remind us that we are already saved and secure through his cross and resurrection. May your light dwell in us always, so that our hearts overflow with praise for you. Amen.

Written by Elise Gross

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 7

2025/12/07/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
Micah 7:8

Our Defender and Protector in the Dark

Some days, it feels like evil is winning. When we hear of yet another school shooting or acts of senseless, random violence, it is hard to see the light. When we see people who profit from manipulating and taking advantage of others, it feels like there is no justice. Some days, it feels like Satan is winning, and it looks like he is gloating. I am sure it felt that way for those who watched Jesus hanging on a cross in agony. And yet we have a promise repeated to us again and again.

At the time when this Scripture was written, electricity had not yet been harnessed. The people of Micah’s day did not have streetlamps or flashlights. The roads connecting the villages were not smoothly paved; instead, there could have been treacherous terrain that might also have bandits and wild animals lurking in the dark. Travel by night was not as simple as it is for you and me today.

However, if someone needed to travel at night, they did have small oil lamps that would light up the ground right in front of them. It would not light up the path six feet ahead of them; it would simply light up the next step. The author of Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” And again in today’s passage from Micah, we hear, “Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” We already learned that God is light and that this light existed even before the sun, moon, and stars were created.

You and I do not depend on our own might, our ability, or our wisdom and reasoning to get through the challenges of this life. Our enemy does not have power over us, because we have the source and creator of light defending and protecting us.

As the Lord told Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:6, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” And with King David, we can proclaim, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).

When it feels like we are surrounded by darkness, and when it feels like our enemies are winning and even gloating over us, we can proclaim with every confidence that our Lord will be our light!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me so many examples from your holy Word of people who trusted in you. You have proven time and time again that you are trustworthy. Please help me remember this when I am going through challenging times. Send people into my life to remind me of and encourage me in your promises. You have taken care of my biggest problem—my sin, which separated me from you—and I know you will take care of all of my other problems as well. Amen.

Written by Rhoda Wolle

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 6

2025/12/06/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Face Your Fears

So, what’s keeping you up at night? What are you dreading? What holds you back from speaking up, taking a chance, or being fully yourself? What do you hope no one ever finds out? What’s your worst nightmare?

These fears are real. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. King David, the author of this psalm, knew fear firsthand. He faced armies at his door, endured malicious whispers and slander, and carried the weight of personal rejection. These fears weren’t imaginary—they were real, pressing, and sometimes overwhelming.

Yet David didn’t allow his fears to control him. Instead, he confronted them with the only power that could truly expose them for what they were. “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Considering David’s life and experiences, he could have been tempted to write that differently. After all, he was king of Israel, loved by the Lord, and adored by the people. He could have said his reputation was his light, his accomplishments were his salvation, or his relationships were his stronghold.

But he didn’t. He knew that anything other than the Lord would eventually fail to withstand fear and the things causing it.

David’s own life was proof. He killed a loyal friend to be with a woman. Thousands died because of a plague brought on by his greed. His son destroyed his reputation to take the throne. David knew very well that only the Lord could stand firm. Only the Lord could cast a light that exposes fear for the empty threat it often is. Only the Lord could be a refuge against forces far beyond human control.

What about you? How do you face your fears? Do you find security in your relationships or your child’s accomplishments? In your influence, career, or that special someone? Perhaps money in the bank, a life insurance policy, or a clean bill of health makes you feel strong. All of these will one day fail, fizzle out, or disappear. And when they do, the fear you tried to manage on your own doesn’t vanish—it remains, often stronger than before.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. The Lord is your light. He shines into the darkness of your fear, revealing it for what it truly is: a shadow that cannot withstand his presence. The Lord is your salvation. Only Jesus can rescue you, redeem what is lost, and restore what is broken—and he has! The Lord is your stronghold. Even if the worst happens, nothing can touch the security of your soul.

Whatever you named at the beginning of this devotion—the thing that keeps you awake, anxious, or worried—you don’t need to fear it. Hear the words of David for yourself: the Lord is your light, your salvation, and your stronghold. When he stands in your corner, fear is powerless. The battle is already won, and your soul can rest.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as we wait for you this Advent season, shine your light into the fears and anxieties that keep us awake, and remind us that you alone are our salvation and stronghold. Help us to trust you above all else, knowing that nothing in this world can overcome the security we have in your presence. Prepare our hearts to celebrate your coming so that we may live each day in the peace and courage only you can give. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 5

2025/12/05/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah 60:1-3

Your Light Has Come!

Getting up can be a struggle at this time of year. I’d rather stay in bed. The to-do lists are long, but my energy level is low. Then I read Isaiah’s words: “Arise, shine!” How?

In today’s reading, toward the end of his book, Isaiah paints a picture of a new day that will come: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Luke shows us how this new day finally arrived: In the middle of the night, the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in a field. The glory of the Lord shone around them. The Savior was born! The light has come!

The angel told the shepherds, “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). Our light isn’t a distant, spiritual being, but a real human being—Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary. A little baby.

Isaiah told Israel: This is your light. But it’s also for the nations. Jesus is the light of all people. We all need this light. Left to ourselves, we would remain covered in the darkness of sin. We needed the Lord himself to intervene—and he did. The Lord entered the deep darkness of sin, carried it, and took it away. We’re no longer covered in sin, but clothed in his light!

But I don’t always have sunny days. I have gloomy days. I know darkness of different kinds: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. What about those times when we feel like a smoldering wick? Can we still arise and shine?

Absolutely. Yes, because our light has come. We are not the light—Jesus is.

I don’t know how, but by God’s grace, we reflect his light. We smile. We ask, “How are you?” and genuinely want to know. We say things like, “You know, God loves you.” We shine. An unbelieving friend of mine who battles depression calls me her “sunshine.” It’s an overstatement, but I gladly accept it. I stay close. I pray for her and trust God’s promise that his light draws people to himself.

It’s Advent, a season of waiting and anticipation. We wait for Christmas, but we also wait for Jesus’ second coming. Then we will truly arise and shine forever! We’ll see Jesus, our light, with our own eyes. All darkness will be gone forever.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come.” By God’s grace, you can get up and tackle your daily tasks—however many or few, big or small. But if this is a time when you need to rest, lie down in the certainty that you have peace with God. Your sins are covered. God’s face is shining upon you. He’s smiling. He loves you.

Prayer: Jesus, you are my light in every season of darkness. When I struggle to get up, remind me that you have already risen for me. Help me reflect your light to others, especially those who need to see your love today. Amen.

Written by Rakel Drechsler

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 4

2025/12/04/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 42:6-7

Bringing Light Into Our Lives

Isaiah 42 is one of the “Servant Songs” in the book of Isaiah. In these sections of Isaiah, the Lord talks to his Son. These sections of Isaiah are prophecies of the coming Messiah. The verses before our Bible reading describe the Messiah as:

God’s chosen one in whom the Father delighted (verse 1). We think of Jesus’ baptism when the Father said, “This is my Son… with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
One who would not shout or cry out, or raise his voice (verse 2). We think of Jesus remaining silent at his trials and going to the cross willingly.
One who would not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick (verse 3). We think of Jesus gently and lovingly working with people, careful not to push them away.

In today’s reading, the Father says that he will call Jesus and take hold of his hand. God the Father directed every aspect of Jesus’ life and ministry. The Father says that Jesus will open eyes that are blind and free captives from prison. Jesus healed the blind, the deaf, and the sick. And what prison did Jesus free people from? Jesus’ death on the cross provided the forgiveness that freed us from the worst prison in the universe—the prison of hell.

God the Father also calls his Son a “light for the Gentiles.” Strictly speaking, the Gentiles are people who are not Jews. In this context, the Gentiles are unbelievers—unbelievers who sit in the darkness of sin, captive to the guilt and shame of their sin. Jesus called himself the “light of the world” (John 8:12). Jesus brings the light of forgiveness, life, and peace to those held captive to sin. We thank Jesus for bringing his light into our lives!

And where do we find ourselves in this reading? The apostle Paul said that he was appointed by the Lord to be a light for the nations so he could bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47). Paul proclaimed Jesus as he traveled the Roman world. When Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, he was commissioning them—and us!—to be lights for the nations to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

Do you remember and realize how “dark” the world is? Do you live with the knowledge that everyone who doesn’t trust in Jesus will spend eternity in the darkness and misery of hell? You are the light that can share and reflect the eternal Light who has paid for the sins of the world. What a privilege. What a responsibility!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given me the joyful responsibility to be a light to this sin-darkened world. Give me the courage and discipline I need to carry out your will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Written by Angela Kom

Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 3

2025/12/03/in Devotions, Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

Hope and Purpose

This passage describes us as a people walking in darkness. Why is it that we are “living in the land of deep darkness”? Well, look around. We see hopelessness and despair. We know something about this world isn’t right, but we don’t know how to fix it. No political system, no act of charity, no script of behavior can change the problem of sin and the fact that people live in pain and then die.

But we don’t stay in the dark—“a light has dawned.” What is that light? What could change the darkness we cannot seem to escape? Isaiah doesn’t leave us wondering, continuing in verse 6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus is that light for the people walking in darkness. Isaiah prophesies the gospel message and relives the anticipation of the Savior. All of Scripture points to him, and he is the light by which we interpret the most difficult passages of Scripture.

In her book Creed or Chaos, Dorothy Sayers says of Christ. “The Church asserts that there is a Mind which made the universe, that He made it because He is the sort of Mind that takes pleasure in creation, and that if we want to know what the Mind of the Creator is, we must look at Christ. In Him, we shall discover a Mind that loved His own creation so completely that He became part of it, suffered with and for it, and made it a sharer in His own glory and a fellow-worker with Himself in the working out of His own design for it.”

Jesus is true God and true man. His death has meaning because it is the death of God’s own Son—of God himself—and his resurrection brings us joy because we share in it! Through Christ we see God and his nature, and in Christ we see our highest purpose and joy. Christ’s identity is at the center of Christian theology. If he did not rise, our faith would be in vain. If he did not die, our debt would remain unpaid.

Now that we know who Christ is by faith, we are enlightened; we have hope. We know why we are here, and what we are to do here, and why it all matters. By faith in Christ, we see evil and pain through the lens of his death and resurrection.

Sayers continues, “Accepting the postulate, then, and looking at Christ, what do we find God ‘doing about’ this business of sin and evil? And what is He expecting us to do about it? Here, the Church is clear enough. We find God continually at work turning evil into good… as He made the crime of the crucifixion to be the salvation of the world.”

God took a symbol of pain and death and lifted it up as the key to our hope. God works through us, his sinner-saints, to carry out his purpose and fulfill the needs of our neighbors. In Christ, we see hope for our eternity and purpose for our today.

What do we do with this light? We share our hope. We declare, each year with the same joy: Jesus is the light of the world!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us Jesus, the light of salvation. You take a dark world and make it brilliant with the light of your love for us. Grant that we never close our eyes to your love. Amen.

Written by Alyssa Ebeling

Lent Devotion – In the Savior’s Steps – Week 7

2025/04/22/in Womens Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

In the Savior’s Steps

The Empty Tomb

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Mark 16:1-7

Here we are again, at a tomb. And again, this isn’t just any tomb. For the women and the disciples, this tomb is personal—even more personal than Lazarus’ tomb would have been. This is the tomb of their companion, their teacher, their friend, and their hoped-for Savior.

There’s more than physical death at this tomb. There’s also the death of their hopes and dreams, of their expectations for the One who promised that although he would be killed, he would also rise again (Mark 8:31).

For Peter, this tomb holds even more sorrow and anguish. For Peter, this tomb holds his well-intentioned but often-misplaced brashness. It holds his promise to remain firm even if all the other disciples fell away and his subsequent denial of Jesus—three times!—only a few hours later. It holds the tears he wept bitterly when Jesus looked at him, and it holds his guilt and shame for not coming to the cross to see his friend and Lord just one more time.

Or, rather, that’s what this tomb held. When the women arrived at the tomb, they found it empty of a dead body, and the words of the angel assured them that this emptiness had also swallowed up all the other death and sorrow and anguish in this tomb. “He has risen! He is not here!” Their companion, teacher, and friend was truly the promised Messiah. Their hopes and dreams were alive again!

But what about Peter? Was the tomb empty, even for him? After all, this tomb held more for Peter. Could Jesus’ resurrection from the dead truly erase all that Peter had said and done? Could things ever be the same between him and Jesus? Could Peter still follow his friend and Lord in the same way as before?

Yes, the tomb was empty—even for Peter.

How do we know? We can look to Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter (John 21:15-19), to Peter’s later ministry, to his faithfulness even to the point of death.

But for Peter, all that was still in the future. Peter needed something now to assure him the tomb was empty, even for him. And Jesus loved him enough to give him this assurance on Easter morning through two beautiful words from an angel: “and Peter.”

These two words become even more meaningful when you know the history of the gospel of Mark. It’s likely that Mark wrote this gospel based on Peter’s preaching, and the words “and Peter” appear only in Mark’s resurrection account. Imagine how much these words must have meant to Peter if he included them in his preaching often enough for Mark to record. Imagine how tightly Peter must have clung to these words in times of hardship and suffering.

“And Peter.” “And Kristi.” “And (your name).” These two beautiful words assure us that the tomb is empty for us, too. No matter the sorrow and anguish you carry, no matter the sins that trouble you—these are no match for the empty tomb.

This Easter season, come back to the empty tomb again and again, and be assured it is empty for you.

Prayer:

Risen Savior, thank you for your assurance that the empty tomb is truly for me. Lead me to live each day in this resurrection joy, and give me the opportunity and the words to share this resurrection joy with others. Amen.

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Wade Johnston for introducing me to the concept of “and Peter” in his book A Path Strewn with Sinners.

Written by Kristi Meyer
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Lent Devotion – In the Savior’s Steps – Week 6

2025/04/15/in Womens Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

In the Savior’s Steps

The Mount of Olives

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Luke 22:39-44

Jesus often went to the Mount of Olives to pray. This beloved place was just beyond Jerusalem along the road heading east toward Bethany. Jesus would have passed the Mount of Olives many times, perhaps even as a young boy entering Jerusalem for the Passover.

Jesus would have known the heart-wrenching story of King David, who escaped up the Mount of Olives a thousand years earlier. King David was overthrown by his son Absalom, who turned the people of Jerusalem against God’s anointed king. As David fled the city, he “continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot.” (2 Samuel 15:30). God’s chosen ruler, rejected by his people, fled up the Mount of Olives. Is it possible this shepherd-king knelt in prayer as he foreshadowed the perfect, promised Messiah?

Almost 500 years later, God gave a prophecy—which mentions the Mount of Olives. “Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley… You will flee by my mountain valley… Then… the Lord will be king over the whole earth” (Zechariah 14:3-5, 9). The Lord promised he would victoriously provide the way to save his people, and Jesus is the way—the final fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy. Even Jesus’ name means “God saves!” No battle on the Mount of Olives will ever compare to Christ’s victory when he defeated death and the devil and saved us from our sins. He will return, gather believers to himself, and be exalted as the Lord of all.

It was on this same Mount of Olives that our Savior knelt again and again to talk to his Father. The Garden of Gethsemane was a familiar and welcome refuge for Jesus. Here, Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death and pleaded, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus knelt on the Mount of Olives and prayed for strength to complete God’s plan of salvation. Jesus prayed this petition just as he had taught his disciples in the Lord’s Prayer. Yet Jesus’ prayer was not just a perfect example; it is the perfect completion of God’s command to pray, “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10).

You may not have prayed on a holy hill, but perhaps you’ve whispered a prayer in a quiet place. With faith in Christ Jesus as your Savior from sin, your prayers are like those offered on the Mount of Olives; they are heard by the triumphant Lord who answers prayers. Your prayers are heard by the God who saves his people.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you found refuge on the Mount of Olives and prayed there for strength to finish your work as my Savior. Thank you for being willing to suffer in my place. Thank you for dying to pay for my sins. Thank you for rising from the dead to live and rule through all eternity as God and Lord of all. Amen.

Written by Naomi Schmidt
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Lent Devotion – In the Savior’s Steps – Week 5

2025/04/08/in Womens Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

In the Savior’s Steps

Lazarus’ Tomb

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
John 11:1,4,6-7,14-15,38-44

Death wasn’t anything new for Jesus. At this point in his ministry, he had already raised two people from the dead. But a tomb… that was different. Death’s hold hadn’t been so strong before. Lazarus had been in the grave for four days, past the time when some Jews believed the soul still lingered near the body in hopes of returning to it.

Nor was this just any tomb. No, this one was personal. Jesus had almost certainly never met Jairus’ daughter before, nor the widow of Nain’s son. But Lazarus? This was Jesus’ friend, the brother of Mary and Martha, the family whom Jesus loved. The disciples must have been shocked that Jesus waited two days before going to the tomb. Why would he wait? They had seen his power over sickness and death—why not go immediately to heal the one that he loved?

But Jesus did wait, and Lazarus did die, and so here they were: at a tomb. Although we aren’t told what Jesus was thinking when he approached the tomb, there certainly could have been a sense of anticipation as the cross—and the tomb—loomed large. Even the prophet Isaiah linked the Messiah with a tomb: “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death” (Isaiah 53:9).

Like the disciples, we’ll have to wait until Easter morning to see victory over that tomb. But we don’t have to wait that long to see Jesus’ power over death. As we hear him call Lazarus to come out, we also see Lazarus emerge—resurrected, alive, back with his family and loved ones.

Death is also often personal for us. Whether the grief is still fresh and raw or the pain has faded to a dull ache, death always leaves a hole. We might pray for the same outcome as Lazarus: that our loved one would emerge from the tomb and live among us once again. And while nothing is impossible with God, he doesn’t seem to work through those types of miracles anymore.

Where does that leave us in our sorrow and grief? At a tomb with Jesus. Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus, and he knows the heartbreak we are experiencing. Death was personal for Jesus, just like it’s personal for us. We can turn to him in our moments of anguish, knowing that he, too, lost someone he loved.

And more importantly, we know the tomb is not the end of the story. Mary and Martha saw the glory of God on full display when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. We’ll likely have to wait a bit longer for this glory and probably won’t experience it on this side of heaven. But we do have heaven as our sure and certain hope.

Yes, we all stand at tombs, and there’s a tomb in our own future (unless Jesus returns first). But Jesus’ story didn’t end at the tomb, and neither will ours. As we approach Holy Week, may we see it all: the cross, but also the empty tomb, and the sure hope that our graves—and the graves of all those we love—will be empty one day as well.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we marvel at your power over death. In our moments of grief, give us the hope to cling tightly to that power. Remind us that death cannot separate us from your love, nor does it separate us from those we love who die in you. Amen.

Written by Kristi Meyer
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

Finding Remarkable in the Ordinary

Surely

When the Ground Gives Way

Perfectly Open

Willingly

The Only Thing

Inviting Jesus Into Our Mess

Shining Like Stars

Seeing the Light of Salvation

Reflecting Our Savior’s Light

Songs of Praise in the Dark

Pay Attention

Receiving Abundantly, Giving Freely

Running to the Light

Bearing Witness to the Light

Living in the Light of God’s Presence

A Glimpse of Things to Come

Sharing is Caring

Finding Him in the Word

Walking in the Light of God’s Presence

Laws Leading to Freedom

Safe and Secure in Our Darkest Moments

Our Defender and Protector in the Dark

Face Your Fears

Your Light Has Come!

Bringing Light Into Our Lives

Hope and Purpose

In the Savior’s Steps

The Empty Tomb

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In the Savior’s Steps

The Mount of Olives

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In the Savior’s Steps

Lazarus’ Tomb

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